The best of Tacoma restaurants

Tacoma Restaurants You Need To Visit

If you’re in the Tacoma area, you should enjoy some of the great food that Tacoma has to offer. Here is a list of Tacoma Restaurants you need to visit.

Has date night gotten stale? Are you continuing to visit the same restaurants you’vebeen going to for years? If it’s time to branch out, this is the post for you. There are plenty of great websites for finding well-known restaurants online, but it can be difficult to find local restaurants, particularly if they’re new, that locals would recommend. That’s whywe’ve compiled a list of the restaurants in Tacoma you need to visit, so keep this list handy next time you have no idea where to eat and are looking for the best Tacoma restaurants.

Check Out These Restaurants in Tacoma

If you’re looking for a new restaurant or two, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best restaurants in Tacoma:

One of the most popular dishes is the flat iron steak with purple mashed potatoes. The braised lamb shank with bacon leak butterbeans and cipollini mole is also a must-try.

Vegetarians will eat surprisingly well at Asado. You can dine on roasted chili and tomato stuffed with dried fruit, quinoa, and cheddar.

Dirty Oscar’s Annex

Also known a DOA, Dirty Oscar’s Annex is the only moonshine bar in Tacoma. That means you’ll only be dining with the 21-and-over crowd. For this reason, it’s one of the best restaurants in Tacoma for those wanting a more adult experience.

DOA is known for its New American cuisine, along with delicious moonshine drinks. Try the peach lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or muddled lemon.

Don’t feel like you can only visit for dinner- DOA is great for breakfast too. Order the Dead Elvis French Toast, which is served with peanut butter sauce, bourbon banana puree, and vanilla custard.

Johnny’s Seafood Market & Bistro

Previously known as Johnny’s Seafood Co, this restaurant has undergone a massive makeover. It now includes a cafe, along with the popular seafood counter. This is one of the best restaurants in Tacoma if you enjoy dining with a view. Sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy your view of Mt Rainer.

Seafood lovers will enjoy their food at Johnny’s, and the outstanding menu has something for everyone. Choose from favorites like:

Fish and chips

Clam chowder

Prime ribeye steak

Shrimp and crab cocktail

Fish tacos

Salads

Sandwiches

Copper River Salmon

And much more

Marzano’s

Marzarno’s has been serving Tacoma residents and visitors for more than 20 years. You’ll find it near Pacific Lutheran University in a converted house, and it specializes in delicious Italian cuisine.

Head chef an owner Elisa Marzano puts her heart and soul into each dish. And the standard menu is often updated to include specific seasonal offerings.

Try the Limone pizza, which is topped with cherry bomb peppers, preserved lemons (homemade), and pancetta. Or carb load with the delicious lasagna Bolognese. You’ll also find plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options here, along with a large wine list.

Pacific Grill

This award-winning restaurant is one of the best-known restaurants in Tacoma. Pacific Grill manages to combine both fun and sophistication.

Pacific Grill is housed in a gorgeous historic building, which features exposed brick and dark wood. You’ll also see some incredible sculptures, however, the food is truly the star here.

Owner and chef Gordon Naccarato has created many classic dishes with a twist and caters to a wide range of tastes. Gluten-free and vegan meals are plentiful. Vegetarians and vegans will love the roasted cauliflower steak.

Indochine

An unofficial landmark in Tacoma, Indochine is one of the best ethnic restaurants in Tacoma. The interior is stunning, and prices are very reasonable considering the standard of the food.

This restaurant is family-run, and owners Russel and Ly fled Cambodia and mass genocide in 1979. After ending up in Thailand, they were sponsored by a church and settled in Federal Way.

Ly studied fashion in Paris but is passionate about food- something that will be evident as soon as you taste her delicious food.

Start with the toasted sesame chicken wraps and the crab wontons. Follow it up with the Spicy Basil Beef or Panang Chicken Curry.

Room for dessert? The pistachio and salted caramel gelatos are hugely popular. The lemon and coconut cake and nemesis flourless chocolate cake should be taken to go if you can’t fit them in.

Katie Downs

Located in the waterfront district, you’ll be hovering over the water when you eat here. This is another great restaurant in Tacoma if you like to dine with a view, and you’ll be able to enjoy Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountains.

Grab dinner before it gets dark and you can watch parasailers, sailboats, and seals while you enjoy your food. And oh, what food. Guests can choose from:

Gourmet sandwiches and burgers

Award-winning pizza

Beer-battered fish and chips

Fresh salmon and calamari

Grilled steaks

The famous clam chowder

Plenty of healthy salads

The pizza at Katie Downs has won “Best Pizza in Western Washington”, and if you like comfort food, Katie’s is the place to go. Be sure to try the New York Style Cheesecake, which comes with fresh berries.

This is one of the best Tacoma restaurants if you feel like a lively night, and tends to draw a younger crowd of 20-somethings. It’s a great place to eat if you’re looking for a fun time, relaxing with friends, down on the Ruston Way waterfront.

Savor Creperie

Craving French? Savor Creperie is the place to be. Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory crepes, this vibrant restaurant offers a huge selection for vegetarians, meat lovers, and those who are gluten-free.

Opened in 2013, Savor Creperie is a huge favorite, so be sure to grab a few sweet and savory crepes to split with a group so you can taste them all.

What are your favorite Tacoma restaurants? Leave a comment below and let us know if there are any great restaurants we’ve missed for our list!